Venezuelan Woman Arrested in Medellín Tourist’s Asphyxiation

An Ecuadorian tourist’s holiday in Medellín ended in tragedy after a night out at a popular nightclub. Javier Vásquez Chacón was found dead in a hotel room, prompting investigations that led to the arrest of a Venezuelan suspect.

A Night Out Turns Fatal

Javier Vásquez Chacón, an Ecuadorian tourist visiting Medellín, was found dead in a hotel room on December 23, 2024, under circumstances that have shocked the city. The 40-year-old traveled with his mother and brother to enjoy a holiday in the vibrant Colombian town, but the trip ended tragically after a night out at a local nightclub. Authorities now allege foul play, with one Venezuelan woman arrested and investigations ongoing to apprehend a second suspect.

Vásquez was last seen alive on December 22, after heading to La Chula, a popular nightclub on the Avenida Las Palmas. According to the Colombian prosecutor’s office, Vásquez had arranged to meet a woman through a digital application. Surveillance footage from the nightclub captured him leaving with two women early the following day, including the one he initially met. Together, the group entered a vehicle and traveled to a hotel in the La Candelaria district near Medellín’s iconic Metropolitan Cathedral.

After entering the hotel, officials say Vásquez fainted ‒ probably because of something given by the women. The women supposedly abandoned him motionless on the bed and ran away after taking his things, like credit cards and ID. Vásquez’s family, unaware of his location, grew concerned when he failed to return in time for a planned tour to Guatapé, a popular tourist destination outside Medellín.

Discovery and Investigation

Hotel staff discovered Vásquez’s lifeless body later that day in the room rented by the two women. Initially, his identity remained unknown because his identification had been stolen. Vásquez’s mother and brother reported him missing on Christmas Eve, and it wasn’t until December 25 that his family identified him at the city’s forensic facility.

An autopsy showed that Vásquez died from mechanical asphyxia ‒ though no visible marks of violence appeared on his body. The situation hinted that his death was not by accident, leading to a thorough investigation. Authorities followed his stolen credit cards, which were used for illegally purchasing 12 million Colombian pesos (around $3,000). This led them to one of the suspects: Nathalia Carolina Vargas Salcedo, a young Venezuelan woman.

Suspect Arrested and Charged

Security footage from the nightclub and hotel confirmed Vargas Salcedo’s involvement. The suspect was apprehended and presented before a Medellín court, where she was charged with aggravated homicide and aggravated theft. Prosecutors described her as the individual who orchestrated the meeting with Vásquez. Despite the evidence, Vargas Salcedo denied the charges but was remanded to a correctional facility as investigations continue.

The search remains active for the second woman seen accompanying Vargas Salcedo and Vásquez. Authorities are examining further security footage and following leads to identify and locate the accomplice.

Impact on Medellín’s Reputation

After the sad event, worries about tourist safety in Medellín have increased ‒ this city overflows with exciting nightlife and rich cultural history. In the past ten years, Medellín transformed its image ‒ shifting from a violent history to a hub of creativity and travel. Crimes against tourists ‒ especially those involving foreigners ‒ have shown ongoing problems.

Tourism leaders say these events are uncommon ‒ they focus on regular work to keep visitors safe. Vásquez’s death broke his family and raised questions about the risks tourists face ‒ especially when meeting strangers through social media or dating apps.

Continuing the Fight for Justice

Vásquez’s mother, who had traveled with her son to Medellín, expressed her grief and hope for justice. “We came here to enjoy the holidays as a family. “We never thought this terrible situation would happen,” she said. She asked for a detailed investigation to find out who was responsible for her son’s sudden death.

Also Read: How Two Debt-Plagued Scots Became Entangled with Colombian Cartel

While Medellín’s leaders try to solve the case, they also want to comfort locals and tourists about their promise to keep everyone safe. Meanwhile, Vásquez’s death is a cautionary tale for travelers, reminding them of the importance of vigilance, even in celebrated destinations like Medellín.